A comparison of leakage between silver-glass ionomer cement and amalgam retrofillings

Abstract

Apical microleakage following reverse filling with zinc-free amalgam was compared with that using silver-glass ionomer cement. The root canals of 20 extracted human maxillary canine teeth were instrumented and obturated with laterally condensed gutta-percha and sealer. Each root was then apically resected at a 45-degree angle to the long axis of the tooth. Following application of nail polish to the root surfaces, standardized apical cavity preparations were made. Ten of the cavity preparations were coated with cavity varnish and filled with zinc-free amalgam; the other 10 preparations were filled with silver-glas ionomer cement. After retrofilling, specimens were suspended in 2% methylene blue dye and placed into an incubator at a temperature of 37°C for 7 days. The teeth were sectioned longitudinally, and the depth of linear dye penetration was measured. Penetration of dye was significantly less (p